Fitness is not just for the younger community. As you age, moving your body daily is one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental health. It can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with aging.
A regular fitness routine helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day functional activities without becoming dependent on others for help. Health benefits will also increase with the more physical activity that you do.
A huge myth is people assume that they’re too old and too out of shape to exercise. Truth is fitness is beneficial for people of any age and is good for almost anyone who has any health limitations.
Fitness also is good for your mind. Boosting memory, possibly helping prevent dementia and helps you maintain your independence and your way of life. If you stay strong and agile as you age, you’ll be more able to keep doing the things you enjoy and less likely to need help.
Here is a few reasons why many older folks aren’t physically active:
I never really exercised before, it’s too late to make a difference in my health
That’s absolutely not true. You can start at any age and even if you have never lifted a weight in your life. There are people in their 80s and 90s being active and living a functional quality of life.
I’m too weak to start exercising
Maybe you just recovered from an illness or surgery and are feeling too weak even to walk around the block. Then start with something small at home, like deciding today to get in and out of your chair 10 times. Do 10 wall pushups, do 20 step ups on your front porch. As you do it more, your strength and endurance will increase, you will become stronger and you can set higher goals.
Exercise takes too much time
It doesn’t have to be a time suck in your day. For beginners all you need is 5-10 mins to start moving your body. Think about how much time you spend watching TV. If you set 5-10 mins aside for your health, all that adds up at the end of your week.
Choose a few of these simple movements to do each day in the convenience of your own home. Pick a number of reps and decide how long you want to train. It is that simple.
- Bridge
- Wall pushups
- Arm circles
- Knee raises
- Heel raises
- Ankle rotations
Try your best to stay committed to your routine and you will begin to see and feel the results in just a matter of a few weeks (maybe even sooner). Fitness doesn’t have to be a daunting thing, you can make it enjoyable if you just go into it with the right mindset.
Like most things, your attitude will make you or it will break you from living a better quality of life!
Ashley LaMorte is a nationally certified fitness instructor and has been in the fitness industry for many years. Over the years she has gotten the opportunity to instruct group X boot camps at gyms and train private clients from all walks of life, all over the bay area. She now has her own mobile fitness business LaMorte Lift. Learn more at LaMorteLift.com.
